'As expected,' Lee Jung-hoo delivers a crucial hit in the top of the 9th with two outs amid standing ovations from opponents, then scores on a follow-up two-run homer by a teammate... but his team suffers a heartbreaking walk-off defeat.

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Jung-hoo hit a dramatic single in the top of the 9th with two outs, then scored on a follow-up two-run home run by a teammate, adding a precious run. However, San Francisco suffered a heartbreaking walk-off loss in the bottom of the 9th, leaving them with lingering regret.

On the 20th (Korean time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the cleanup hitter and right fielder for the San Francisco Giants in an away game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, during the 2026 MLB regular season. He recorded one hit in four at-bats.

After finishing today's game, Lee Jung-hoo's season statistics stand at: 92 games played, .303 batting average (105 hits in 347 at-bats), 33 RBIs, 49 runs scored, 5 home runs, 21 doubles, 3 triples, 14 walks, 36 strikeouts, 6 stolen bases (0 caught stealing), .334 on-base percentage, .424 slugging percentage, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.758.

Lee Jung-hoo hit three hits in his first game of the second half against the Seattle Mariners on the 18th, significantly boosting his batting average. Although he went hitless in four at-bats in the game on the 19th, he recorded one hit in four at-bats in the previous day's (20th) game against Seattle and followed up with another hit today, achieving consecutive hits over two games.

San Francisco set its starting lineup as follows: Luis Arraez (second baseman), Bryce Eldridge (first baseman), Keisuke Schmidt (third baseman), Rafael Devers (designated hitter), Elliot Ramos (left fielder), Lee Jung-hoo (right fielder), Willie Adames (shortstop), Drew Gilbreath (center fielder), and Daniel Susac (catcher). Trevor McDonald was the starting pitcher.

Kansas City countered with this starting lineup: Carter Jensen (catcher), Bobby Witt Jr. (shortstop), Jack Cagliano (right fielder), Lane Thomas (center fielder), Vinnie Pasquantino (first baseman), Salvador Perez (designated hitter), Michael Massey (second baseman), Joshua Rojas (third baseman), and Isaac Collins (left fielder). Michael Wacha was the starting pitcher.

Lee Jung-hoo appeared as the leadoff batter in the top of the 2nd inning but hit a ground ball to first base and retired after attempting to attack the first pitch. In the 4th inning, he faced his second at-bat with two outs and no runners on base. After receiving the third pitch in a 1-1 count, he flew out to left field. He led off again in the 7th inning but hit a ground ball to second base after fouling off the third pitch in a favorable 2-0 count.

The long-awaited precious hit from Lee Jung-hoo finally came in the 9th inning. With San Francisco trailing 1-3 and two outs with no runners on base, Lee stepped into the batter's box. Kansas City home fans were already standing and applauding, seemingly confident of victory. However, Lee did not retreat easily. After receiving the fourth pitch in a 2-1 count, he hit a line drive that just cleared the shortstop's glove for a two-run single. Ultimately, Lee crossed home plate when Adames followed with a two-run homer over the right-field fence, adding a crucial run.

But San Francisco could not smile in the end. In the bottom of the 9th inning, with one out and runners on first and third, Loftin bunted toward first base. Eldridge attempted to field the ball but failed to make the play in one motion. During that moment, the runner from third scored, giving Kansas City a 4-3 victory.

San Francisco fell into a three-game losing streak with a record of 42 wins and 58 losses, maintaining fourth place in the National League West Division. Kansas City bounced back from their previous day's loss to finish with 41 wins and 60 losses, remaining in last place in the American League Central Division.

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*This content was translated by AI.